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Writer's pictureKevin Duggan

Get Your Dog A Pool This Summer



My dog V loved to swim. If I threw a ball into the water he would run full speed and jump on into it to get it. Knowing how much he loved to swim I found it odd that he didn’t automatically love getting into the small pool that I got him for the hot summer days. I knew with a little bit of help that he would enjoy it and it would allow him to be able to hang outside and play more fetch. (Fetching a ball was his favorite thing to do.)


If you want to get your dog to build a positive association with a small pool, start off with it empty. Either toss a bunch of treat into the empty pool or lure your dog in with a treat and feed a bunch of treats for being in there. Once your dog will go right in with it empty you’re ready to add in the tiniest amount of water and repeat. (At this point you may not be able to toss the treats in so you may want to work on luring first.) You may notice a little hesitation from your dog now that there is a tiny amount of water in there. It’s highly likely that you’ll be able to help your dog push through the hesitation with those high value treats. Once your dog is looking comfortable you’ll be ready to add a tiny bit more water. Continue this process.


I practiced this and got it on cue. After playing fetch for a bit I’d cue V to go into the pool. Once he was comfortable he’d go right in and plop down and kick his hips to the side. It was clear that he was enjoying it.


You may get lucky and your dog may just go right in. If not though, this training plan will help. Also, fight any temptation to pick your dog up and stick them in it. This will likely make them want to avoid it more in the future.


Here is a video of V enjoying his pool.



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